About the Migration Agency

In Sweden, the Migration Agency is the authority that considers applications from people who want to take up permanent residence in Sweden, come for a visit, seek protection from persecution or become Swedish citizens.

EU citizens working, studying or living in Sweden

As an EU citizen you have the right to work, study or live in Sweden without a residence permit. You also have the right to start and operate a private business. The right of EU citizens to stay in Sweden without a residence permit is called right of residence. You have right of residence if you are employed, self-employed, a student or have sufficient means to support yourself. If you have right of residence in Sweden you do not need to contact the Swedish Migration Agency.

You can move to Sweden without applying for any permit, but if you have family who are citizens of a country outside of the EU, they need to apply for a residence card. In order for your family to be granted residence cards you must be able to demonstrate that you meet the requirements for right of residence in Sweden through work, studies or with sufficient means.

As an EU citizen you have the right to start working or studying directly after arriving in Sweden.

To register yourself in the Swedish population register and obtain a Swedish personal identity number, you need to contact the Swedish Tax Agency.

If you are going to start a private business, you have to submit a tax and fee registration to the Swedish Tax Agency and you may need to register your company with the Swedish Companies Registration Office before beginning your company operations. You can learn more at Verksamt.se.

Citizens of Switzerland

People who have lived in an EU country

If you have lived in an EU country but are not an EU citizen you may under some circumstances be granted status as a long-term resident of that country. You will then have rights similar to those of EU citizens.

At Setel.in you can find apps, websites and services for those who want to know how the Swedish society works and who have questions about accommodation, work, learning the language, education and social networks.

UR Nyanländ is a series of programmes about your rights and duties in Sweden.